Kamil Syprzak: 'Group A is very strong'
In this second part of the interview, Kamil Syprzak gives us his thoughts on the Velux EHF Champions League match that awaits Paris Saint-Germain Handball in Szeged on Sunday afternoon. Our Polish pivot also talks about his integration into Les Rouge et Bleu.
Psg.fr: On Sunday, you face Szeged. Do you think it's like a mini-final for second place in Group A?
Kamil Syprzak: Yes, it's a very important match. If we want to hang onto second place, we have to win this match. First place will be difficult to secure, but in sport you never know... If Barcelona have a bad day, why not... The level of our group is very high, with a lot of good teams. It's especially difficult to play on someone else's home turf.
This match will also mark the end of a long string of road trips (five consecutive away games in all competitions)...
Prior to February, we had a pretty good schedule with several home games. We had a few trips to make, but all of them were close to Paris. So far, we've won all these games and it's important to keep going before we return to Coubertin.
Are you looking forward to returning to your home arena?
We can't wait to get back! It's very important for us to play in front of our fans. In Paris, they are amazing. They give us a lot of strength and energy. They help the team as if they were an eighth player on the field.
It's your first season in Paris. How do you feel about this team?
I feel great! I'm getting along better and better with my teammates. There is also a good relationship with the whole staff, which is very important. Everyone has helped me to integrate well. We're all doing a very good job together and we need to keep going.
And in the city of Paris?
Paris is magical [laughs]! I love this city. We don't have a lot of time to enjoy it, but as soon as we have a few days, I can look around Paris with my wife. We already have our favourite places! Abroad, everyone talks about the weather, but for me, coming from Poland, it's not a problem.
Isn't the French language too difficult?
I think in a month or two I'll be able to do interviews in French. I'm making progress! If I want to make myself understood here, it's compulsory to speak this language. Several players in the dressing room speak Spanish, so it was easier for me at the beginning. But now I'm trying to speak French.
Watch the first part of our interview with Kamil Syprzak on video.
(Credits: TeamPics/PSG)